9 Books to Read Before TIFF 2016
Updated: Oct. 04, 2018With the Toronto International Film Festival around the corner, there’s no denying that books continue to be an inspiration for the big screen. Here are nine of the best according to the experts at Chapters Indigo.
TIFF 2016 Books: The Snowden Files by Luke Harding
One of the most controversial men in the world, Edward Snowden was a young computer genius who later blew the whistle on America’s National Security Agency. This book by Luke Harding, now adapted into one of the most anticipated films premiering at TIFF 2016, explores the consequences of Snowden’s actions and the journalists who managed to break a once-in-a-lifetime scoop.
TIFF 2016 Books: American Pastoral by Philip Roth
Swede Levov had the perfect 1960s life-he was a legendary high school athlete, married a former Miss New Jersey, inherited his father’s glove factory, and moved into an idyllic house. It all came crashing when his teenage daughter decided to commit a savage act of terrorism. American Pastoral stars Ewan McGregor, Jennifer Connelly and Dakota Fanning.
TIFF 2016 Books: Queen of Katwe by Tim Crothers
While searching for food, Phiona Mutesi discovered the game of chess. At 11, she became Uganda’s junior chess champion and later on, the country’s national champion. Acclaimed Indian filmmaker Mira Nair directed the adaptation of this unbelievable, feel-good story, which stars Lupita Nyong’o and David Oyelowo.
TIFF 2016 Books: The Secret Scripture by Sebastian Barry
The Secret Scripture tells the unforgettable story of Roseanne McNulty. Set against an Ireland torn by conflict, Barry’s novel recounts her life, and a vivid reminder of the hold that the Catholic Church had on individuals throughout the twentieth century. The Jim-Sheridan directed adaptation stars Rooney Mara, Eric Bana and Vanessa Redgrave.
TIFF 2016 Books: Tony and Susan by Austin Wright
Renowned fashion designer Tom Ford has brought this book to life with stars Amy Adams and Jake Gyllenhaal. Out of the blue, Susan Morrow receives a package containing the manuscript of her ex-husband’s novel. As she reads it, she is plunged back into her past and forced to confront the darkness that inhabits her.
TIFF 2016 Books: A Monster Calls by Patrick Ness
While coping with his mother’s terminal cancer, 13-year-old Conor wakes up one day to find a monster outside of his window. But this isn’t the kind of monster nightmares are made of-this monster likes to tell stories. The film version of this haunting children’s story stars Academy Award nominees Liam Neeson, Sigourney Weaver and Felicity Jones.
TIFF 2016 Books: A Long Way Home by Saroo Brierley
Based on a true story, A Long Way Home tells the tale of Saroo Brierley, who gets adopted by an Australian couple after surviving alone for weeks on the rough streets of Calcutta. Years later, he sets out to find his biological family. Lion, based on Brierley’s autobiography, stars Nicole Kidman, Dev Patel and Rooney Mara.
TIFF 2016 Books: Denial: Holocaust History on Trial by Deborah E. Lipstadt
After author Deborah Lipstadt called David Irving, a writer of books on World War II, “one of the most dangerous spokespersons for Holocaust denial,” he filed a libel suit against her and her publisher. Denial is Lipstadt’s riveting, blow-by-blow account of her battle against the anti-Semitic movement. Rachel Weisz and Timothy Spall star as Lipstadt and Irving.
TIFF 2016 Books: Unless by Carol Shields
Reta Winters’ happy life turns a dark corner when her eldest daughter Norah suddenly runs away and ends up mute and begging on a Toronto street corner. What in the world has broken Norah, and what could bring her back to the safety of home? Academy Award nominee Catherine Keener and Hannah Gross play the mother-and-daughter pair.